Ambae Island:
The volcanic activity on Ambae Island remains in a state of major unrest, with the Ambae Volcanic Alert Level continuing at Level 2. This unrest is focused around Lake Voui, and recent field observations, along with data analysis, confirm that the activity is expected to continue at this level. The volcanic hazards danger zone is still confined to a 2 km radius from the active vents.
Webcam images from February 18, 20, and 21, 2025, show continuous steam emissions, which may contain water vapor and gases. Satellite imagery also indicates ongoing volcanic degassing, and seismic data further supports the presence of major volcanic unrest. Residents of Ambae and neighboring islands are advised to expect volcanic clouds rising from the summit of Ambae Island.
Since December 27, 2021, the Ambae Volcanic Alert Level has remained at Level 2, signifying “Major unrest” with a danger zone of 2 km around the active vents. This ongoing activity serves as a reminder that eruptions can occur with little or no warning.
Local authorities, tourism agencies, and the public are strongly urged to avoid the danger zone, which extends approximately 2 km from the summit area. This region remains hazardous due to the risk of gases, ash, and potential acid rain, particularly for villages downwind of the volcano. The heavy rainfall could also cause hazardous conditions near flowing creeks, where volcanic ash from past eruptions still affects the stream behavior and flow rates. People are reminded to stay cautious when approaching creeks during heavy rains.
Ambrym Island:
Ambrym Island also remains in a state of major volcanic unrest, with the Ambrym Volcanic Alert Level holding steady at Level 2. The unrest is confined to the Benbow and Marum craters. Recent observations and data analysis suggest that the volcanic activity is expected to continue at its current intensity. The volcanic hazards danger zone remains a 1 km radius around Benbow crater and a 2 km radius around Marum crater.
Webcam photos show ongoing small steam emissions (fumaroles) from both craters. Satellite imagery from February 11, 2025, reveals a low thermal anomaly, indicating increased surface temperatures around the volcano due to magma near the Earth’s surface. Seismic data has also confirmed ongoing volcanic unrest.
The Ambrym Volcanic Alert Level has been at Level 2 since January 17, 2024, signaling “Major unrest” with danger zones at the Exclusion Zone (1 km radius around Benbow crater) and the Danger Zone A (2 km radius around Marum crater), which includes areas like Maben-Mbwelesu, Niri-Mbwelesu, and Mbwelesu. Given the ongoing unrest, it is important to note that eruptions can happen with little or no warning.
All local authorities, tourism agencies, and the public are strongly advised to avoid the Exclusion Zone and Danger Zone A around the Benbow and Marum craters. These areas remain hazardous due to volcanic gases and the risk of further volcanic activity. The 2018 eruption created major cracks around both craters, which could collapse at any time.
Tanna Island:
Yasur Volcano on Tanna Island remains in a state of major unrest, with the Yasur Volcanic Alert Level staying at Level 2. The activity is confined to the volcanic crater, and recent observations and data analysis indicate that the conditions at Yasur remain unstable, with ongoing explosive activity. The volcanic hazards danger zone is still limited to a 600-meter radius from the eruptive vents inside the crater.
Webcam images show continuous explosions, with volcanic cloud emissions containing water vapor, gases, and ash. Satellite imagery from February 12, 13, 16, 2025, shows low thermal anomalies, suggesting an increase in surface temperature due to the presence of magma near the Earth’s surface. Seismic data also confirms continued volcanic unrest with some strong explosions.
Since October 18, 2016, the Yasur Volcanic Alert Level has remained at Level 2, indicating “Major unrest” with a 600-meter danger zone around the eruptive vents. This ongoing activity is a reminder that eruptions can occur with little or no warning.
Local authorities, tourism agencies, and the public are strongly advised to avoid the 600-meter danger zone, which remains hazardous due to volcanic projectiles, ash, and gases. Volcanic bombs may fall in and around the crater rim, and visitors should expect volcanic activity when approaching the crater. Villages around the caldera, especially those downwind, will continue to experience ash fall and acid rain when the volcanic cloud rises several kilometers in height.
General Reminder:
The ongoing volcanic activity at Ambae, Ambrym, and Yasur volcanoes reminds residents, visitors, and local authorities to stay alert and follow safety guidelines. All volcanic hazards zones are dangerous, and eruptions can occur without warning.
